Friday, December 28, 2012

Friday December 28, 2012


Mesa County Sheriff's officials are looking into a report of a 6 year old who shot himself at a home in Clifton.  They say the boy discharged a .22 rifle and was taken to the hospital by a family member with non life threatening injuries. The circumstances are under investigation.

A late Christmas present from Ute Water.  A tap fee increase set to go into effect January 1st has been postponed until February 1st.  Spokesman Joe Burtard says the board decided it makes sense to give contractors and the general public more time to get necessary paperwork filed with appropriate agencies.

The BLM has approved the expansion of Arch Coal's West Elk mine in Somerset. The mine provides about $2 million in annual tax revenue to Gunnison County, and the expansion will allow up to 19 million more tons of coal mine each year for the next three years.

Crime Stoppers of Mesa County is looking for information about the theft of copper wiring cut from two heating and cooling units on the roof at Big Lots in the Teller Arms Shopping Center. The value of the wiring and damage is more than $35,000. You can call 241 stop with information.

Wildlife officials in Boulder are looking into two reports of coyotes threatening people on the Boulder Creek Path. he first incident was Monday when a woman fended off the coyote with a stick, then yesterday morning, a man on a bicycle was chased by a coyote.  Officials tell the Boulder Daily Camera people approached by coyotes should yell, stomp, or use a stick to try and retrain the animals from approaching humans.

Holiday storms have taken away concerns about Colorado's drought, but climate researchers say it's way too early to relax.  State Climatologist Nolan Doesken says forecasts for early 2013 are fairly dry and the long range outlook is uncertain.  According to the Denver Post, The U.S. Drought Monitor shows conditions moderate along the northern Front Range. Severe in an uneven swath from northern to southwestern Colorado, either extreme or exceptional drought conditions in the rest of the state.

News of the death of General Norman Schwarzkopf is bringing back fond memories of the man who called Telluride home for many years.  Schwartzkopf was a board member of the Telluride Foundation which raises money for local charities.  The foundation's chief executive tells The Denver Post the general enjoyed leading veterans down main Street during the town's 4th of July parades and was involved in many local activities.

A Jefferson County judge has closed the preliminary hearing for 17 year old Austin Sigg, accused of killing Jessica Ridgeway in Westminster in October.  The judge made the ruling, saying media coverage would taint the jury pool.  The Jefferson County DA's Office says the public has a right to know how the case is proceeding.  Several media outlets are also challenging the ruling.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Thursday December 27, 2012


A 70 year old man who pled guilty to dealing meth in Grand Junction in 2008 has lost his latest appeal.  Robert Hakel, also known as Grandpa, was sentenced to 32-years after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, and solicitation to commit first degree murder.  According to the Daily Sentinel, Hakel argued he was coerced into the plea deal and that the judge in the case has made errors.  The Colorado Court of appeals upheld the convictions two weeks ago.


The Telluride Avalanche School is holding courses in January, February and March.  The Telluride Daily Planet says the Avalanche awareness courses start with Level One in January and February and Level 2 in March.  6 Monday evening courses are scheduled throughout the winter.

The snow is piling up in western Colorado, but it has to continue if it's to have an impact on the drought. The Colorado River Water Conservation District tells the Daily Sentinel this early season snow helps, but they're keeping an eye out for heavy moisture laden snow in March and April.

Potential gun buyers in Colorado are being forced to wait several days or longer before being allowed to purchase a firearm. Earlier this month, waits were just 15 minutes, but background checks required by law are now up to 100 hours.  According to the Denver Post, the CBI says it was running about 3,000 checks a day, that number now is up to 3,000.

Colorado's snowpack is improving.  On November 26th, snowpack in northwest Colorado was 48% of average. The Denver Post says by December 20th, the snowpack was at 75%, and that was before another 12 inches on Christmas Eve and Christmas.  Even more snow is expected in the northwest mountains through tonight.


CDOT has closed the west Glenwood rest area as part of a plan to close four rest areas in the state.  The one in Glenwood was to close in March, but was shutdown now because of sewer issues. It will be redesigned as emergency parking for trucks.  The closing of the rest areas is expected to save CDOT $300,000 a year in maintenance costs.


A bad year for bear food in Colorado has led to one of the worst years ever for conflicts between humans and bears.  Colorado Parks and Wildlife says 100 bears were euthanized through November this year, compared with only 32 in 2011. In 2009, 59 bears were killed.

A Niwot [nye-watt] garbage man is expected to survive after being dragged 100 feet underneath an SUV.  The accident happened yesterday morning when the man was attempted to cross a road and slipped on the ice.  An SUV was unable to stop, hit the man, then dragged him.  The State Patrol says slick roads were a factor in the crash and the driver won't be cited.

High dollar real estate in Aspen is booming and is expected to continue through the end of the year.  Some property brokers tell the Aspen Times the anticipated capital gains tax hikes from 15 to 20% is the reason.  Between December 1st and yesterday, 30 sales of $1 million or more were recorded.  In December of last year, nearly $78 million in sales were recorded.  So far this month, $135 million real estate sales have been recorded.


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Wednesday December 26, 2012


Lots of powder around the Grand Valley, and at the Powderhorn Resort, too.  The ski area reported 16 new inches of snow by yesterday and had bragging rights to the best new powder in the state.  The mid-mountain depth was 38 inches, behind only Wolf Creek and Steamboat Springs.

If you want to ski in Aspen, Vail or Beaver Creek, you better have a pretty big wallet.  Single-day lift tickets in Aspen are now $119 with a $5 rebate at the end of the day. Lift tickets at Vail and Beaver Creek are $122.  If you want to stay closer to home and get the most powder in the state, you can go to Powderhorn and get a $59 lift ticket.

The average price of gas in Colorado fell an average 9 1/2 cents a gallon to start the week at $3.05. GasBuddy.com says that's down nearly 3 cents a gallon from the same time last year.  The Colorado average has dropped nearly 33 cents a gallon in the past month.

Colorado Ethics Watch wants to take politics out of the Secretary of State's office and the group is proposing changing the office from elected to appointed.  According to The Daily Sentinel, Luis Toro who heads up Ethics Watch says the discussion should move beyond the Secretary of State's office to County Clerk and Recorders.  Any change would have to go before voters.

The City of Fruita has something to work on in the new year.  Possible upgrades to Civic Center Park.  The Daily Sentinel says funding hasn't been set aside yet, but could start with $50,000 in next year's budget.  Improvements could include playground areas and fountains, along with new shelters and restroom facilities.

Roads in Western Colorado are still slick this morning and if you thought that was going to change, think again.  The National Weather Service says a new system is moving in today with light snow showers starting by late this morning. Heavier snow is expected later this afternoon with 2 to 4 inches falling by tomorrow. 4 to 10 inches are expected in higher areas and the mountains are looking at 8 to 14 inches before the storm moves out Friday.  The weekend looks dry so far, but another storm is on the way Monday and Tuesday.

Avalanche danger on the Grand Mesa is high following storms early this week.  The Colorado Avalanche Information Center says 20 to 24 inches of snow on top of old snowpack has increased the danger to High on slopes facing northwest through treeline. The latest avalanche forecasts are available on the CAIC website.

Grand Junction Police Officers and Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies are bowling tomorrow, and inviting kids to join in.  It's the annual Bowl-with-a-cop from 10 until 2 at Orchard Mesa Lanes.



Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday December 21, 2012


The FBI is looking for a former palisade man on charges of sexual assault on a child.  A Federal warrant was issued in June for 59 year old James Tiner, accusing him of sexually assaulting an 8 year old girl who went to his home for music lessons in Palisade in 2009 and 10. The Daily Sentinel says Tiner was last seen in Palisade in April and in Arkansas in June.

Schools between Rifle and New Castle placed on a "soft lockdown" yesterday after a suspicious incident on I-70. A motorist reported a man walking away from a disabled car and when dispatchers ran the plate, it came back stolen out of Missouri. The soft lockdown was ordered as law enforcement looked for the man.  He was never located and the lockdown lifted by 12:30 yesterday.

Colorado Senator Mark Udall is backing a comprehensive plan to curb gun violence and mass shootings. The plan includes a possible ban on assault weapons ... Udall says the plan would ban military-style weapons and be crafted to ensure better background checks for gun purchases and bolster mental health services while respecting the Second Amendment.

The Colorado Lottery is using its 2,200 lottery promotion signs to broadcast Amber Alerts, with plans to install another 600 of the 19 inch monitors around the state.  The program was used for the first time this week to broadcast the abduction of a Colorado Springs toddler, ultimately found safe. Only the Amber Alerts will appear on the monitors as long as they are active. Lottery officials say they hope the move leads to helping more victims.

A Commerce City police officer could lose his job after shooting a dog to death last month.  The dog was reported vicious, then shot five times.  A neighbor videoed the killing and released it on social media.  According to the Denver Post, the Adams County DA is still investigating, and yesterday said one officer will be charged with Felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals.

State economists say "fiscal cliff" negotiations are preventing stronger growth in Colorado, even as tax receipts are higher than expected and improvements in the housing market and personal income.  According to the Denver Post, the legislature's chief economist says as long as the fiscal cliff looms, Colorado's and the nation's economies will grow significantly below potential.

Officials at the Breckenridge Ski Resort say it took nearly 3 hours to evacuate 40 skiers and snow boarders from a ski lift yesterday.  A resort spokeswoman says a mechanical error stopped the lift around 1:30 yesterday afternoon, the last occupant evacuated by rope at about 4:15.

Ski resorts fighting for water rights on land leased from the US Forest Service have gotten some good news.  The Daily Sentinel says a federal judge ruled yesterday that the Forest Service cannot require ski resorts to surrender new water rights as part of their leases. Besides ski areas, Club 20 is weighing in on the ruling calling it a victory for western Colorado and Colorado water law.

A Grand Junction man who pled guilty to killing a woman walking on a sidewalk in October of 2011 will serve 7 years in Community Corrections.  22 year old Joseph Weixel was sentenced under a plea agreement yesterday.  According to the Daily Sentinel, Weixel was accused of driving under the influence, but evidence of that was sketchy.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Thursday December 20, 2012


Two men are being treated for stab wounds after an altercation at a Clifton trailer park.  Mesa County Sheriff's spokeswoman Heather Benjamin says the two apparently stabbed each other last night.  A witness was being questioned. Investigators still looking for a motive.

The Secretary of State's office is out with a Top Ten list for wise giving.  They say it's really important, especially around the holidays to make sure the charity you're helping is legitimate.  The top ten list for checking out a charity is available on the Colorado state website.

The BLM is extending the public comment period to January 18th on a Genesis Gas & Oil expansion plan near the town of Mesa. Existing roads will be used an another 3 and 1/2 miles of road are planned.  The detailed proposal is available at the BLM.

A group calling themselves the Fiscal Cliffmas Carolers is stopping at Congressman Scott Tipton's Grand Junction office later this morning, putting their views to music.  The singers say all they want for Christmas is to see Tipton put the middle class over millionaires and ask the top 2% to pay their fair share.

Heavy snow overnight Tuesday into Wednesday is providing a little relief from the drought, but not much.  The Bureau of Reclamation tells The Daily Sentinel numbers on the moisture content of the snow won't be available for a while, and with the snowpack at only 39% of average at the end of last month, a whole lot more is needed just to get up to average.

A Grand Junction mother has come up with a unique way to honor the memories of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.  Annie Wright has hung 26 Christmas stockings on a tree between Pitkin and Ute Avenues at 15th Street.  She's encouraging anyone who wants to, to leave a note to the families.  She says she'll send them to Connecticut January 7th.

Governor John Hickenlooper is calling for a moment of silence tomorrow to honor the 26 people killed at Sandy Hook elementary school last week. People all over the country plan a silent memorial at 9:30 Colorado time.  Hickenlooper made the call after a request from CT Governor Dannel Malloy asked all of the country's governors to join the moment. Churches and government buildings in CT also plan to ring bells 26 times to honor each person killed.

Grand Junction reporting a total 4.6 inches of snow in this week's storm and now the state's climatologist says favorable storm-tracking means more snow is possible through the end of the year.  Nolan Doesken tells the Denver Post snowpack in many of the state's river basins has climbed as much as 30% in the past ten days, with the Yampa and White river basins at 80% of average.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Wednesday December 19, 2012


All schools in Mesa County are on a regular schedule this morning.  The district's website, www.d51schools.org says officials have been driving the routes since early morning and have determined schools can open safely at their regular times. School officials say they'll be flexible and understanding should any students arrive late.

The city of Grand Junction is under accident alert.  That means any accident not involving injury, alcohol or major damage can be reported later. Drivers in minor crashes should make a report at the Police Department lobby within the next 48 hours.

4 to 6 inches of snow across the Grand Valley overnight with snow showers expected to continue this morning and taper off through mid-morning.  Highway 65 is closed over the top of the Grand Mesa this morning for avalanche control. Chain laws were in effect on Hwy 139 over Douglas Pass and 550 south over Red Mountain, Molas and Coal Bank Passes. Chain laws also in effect over Vail Pass and at the Eisenhower tunnel.

No Grand Junction stage in the USA Pro Challenge next year.  That's what the local organizing committee is telling the Daily Sentinel this morning. Grand Junction has applied for a stage of the race for the past two years and was turned down. The committee says the professional cycling race wants to concentrate on more populated towns on the front range.

Ute Water is the latest Grand Valley Water provider to announce rate hikes for the coming year.  The base rate will go from $15 to $17 for 3,000 gallons and 10 cents for each tier above that.

A former Palisade man now living in Colorado Springs wants records of his conviction on rape and murder charges sealed after being cleared of the crime earlier this year.  Robert Dewey spent nearly 16 years in prison on the 1994 conviction.  The Daily Sentinel says Dewey's lawyers filed the request Monday saying because of Dewey's innocence, the records should be sealed.

Former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter is being considered as Energy Secretary.  Ritter right now is director of Colorado State University's Center for the New Energy Economy.  He says he's flattered to be considered, but looks forward to continuing his role meeting with governors, legislators and regulators across the country in a non-partisan effort to discuss energy efforts.

Montrose Police are investigating reports of counterfeit $20 bills being passed within the city. They're reminding people and businesses to be aware of any suspicious looking money in any denomination and report any suspected fake money.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Friday December 7, 2012



Grand Jucntion Police are investigating an explosion at a house on N. 23rd Street.  Apparently something inside a safe blew up injuring a man and woman in the house. Both were taken to the hospital.  Police are still lookng for the cause of the blast.

A Mesa County District Judge has granted an emergency injunction to block plans to cremate the bodies of Tyler and William Jensen. The boys' mother has requested the cremation, their fraternal grandparents instead want the children buried next to their father who was killed in a car crash in October.  Judge Thomas Deister has ordered the grandparents to post a $5,000 bond since the bodies are in the custody of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.

A tentative plea agreement means 26 year old Justin Keel could face 24 to 36 years in prison in the death of his girl friend's 19-month old son Owen Reak.  The little boy died in April.  The Daily Sentinel says Keel is expected to plead guilty to  one count of child abuse resulting in death.  In exchange the DA's office is to dismiss other charges including first degree murder in exchange.


One of Grand Junction's Deputy Police Chiefs is on his way to Commerce City, having been named their new Chief of Police.  Troy Smith was with Grand Junction for 9 years.  While here, Smith received the Grand Junction Police Department’s Award of Excellence and the Colorado State Police Chief’s Executive Innovation Award.  He starts in Commerce City Next month.


Grand Junction Rotary and Kiwanis are holding their annual Salvation Army Bell ring-off tomorrow.  Rotary mans the kettles from 10 to noon, Kiwanis from noon to 2:00. The Salvation Army says the competition annually raises for projects for kids throughout the year.

Wal-Marts in Delta and Grand Junction are holding a first-ever "Fill the Truck" event tomorrow from 9 to 5.  The stores will have barrels at each door and will accept new unwrapped toys and coats for children in need.  The Colorado Army National Guard will be there to help load  the toys and will also have some equipment for kids to play on.

Police in Delta have released the name of a man killed when his bicycle was hit by a pickup Wednesday night.  63 year old Craig Warren Hampton of Delta suffered serious injuries and was flown to Grand Junction where he later died.  The accident is still under investigation.

Some Central High School students are doing their part to help make Christmas merrier for folks who need a little help. The collected donations and are handing them out tomorrow.  Food, clothing, toiletries, toys and more are available at the school cafeteria all day tomorrow.

The Fruita Chamber of Commerce has a new director, Shauna Davies.  She's been with the Chamber for a long time and acted as interim director since May.  Chamber Board President John Burwell tells the Daily Sentinel Davies length of service and knowledge of the group led to her becoming the head.

19 horses have been found dead at the Wild Horse Inmate Program outside Canyon City.  BLM officials are trying to figure out what happened.  They say some of the horses were dead in a pen and others nearby were so sick they were put down.  Tests are underway on water and hay samples.  Since 1986, 5,000 horses have been trained by inmates in the program.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Thursday December 6, 2012

Delta Police are investigating the death of a person hit by a pickup last night. He was crossing Highway 92 near Henrie Street around 8:00 last night when he was struck. He was seriously injured and flown to Grand Junction where he died of his injuries.

Grand Junction City Council has signed off on the 2013 budget.  The city continues to grow since significant cuts in 2009.  Next year's $145.8 million budget includes 13 new positions which leaves the city with 69 fewer positions than in 2009.  The plan includes parks improvements, Avalon Theater renovation, and street overlay increases.  You can look at the entire budget on the city's website gjcity.org.

CMU Cycling Coach Rick Crawford has admitted involvement in professional cycling doping more than ten years ago. The University says Crawford will continue to coach and will serve 500 hours of community service in anti doping education for the US Anti-Doping Agency.  Former professional cyclist and outspoken anti-doping advocate Scott Mercier has signed on to act as Director of CMU cycling.

The grandmother of two boys who died in suspicious circumstances on the Grand Mesa has gone to court to try and have the boys' remains buried next to their father, her son Eric Jenson, who was killed in a car crash in October. According to the Daily Sentinel, the grandmother, Diane Mathena, believes the boys' mother wants to have the remains cremated. The matter hasn't been set for a hearing.

The Colorado Secretary of State's Office is set to certify the results of the November election and several Colorado business and advocacy organizations — including the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and Club 20 have sent a letter to US Attorney General Eric Holder to make clear whether he intends to enforce federal laws against marijuana sale, use, and possession.  Club 20 tells the Daily Sentinel businesses and agencies that must comply with federal law need to know Holder's intentions so they can figure out how to handle issues relating to Colorado's new law.

It's dry in Colorado, especially in the Colorado River, and Yampa and White River basins where snowpack is 39 and 37%. Statewide snowpack is 41% of normal.  Snow IS expected in the next few days, up to 6 inches or more in the northern mountains.

The figures are in from Colorado Gives Day: a record $15 million was raised for local nonprofits around Colorado.  Officials say 68,000 donations were made, from $10- all the way to one donor who gave $44,000 to 96 different charities.

SWAT teams from the Grand Junction Police and Mesa County Sheriff's Departments are holding their annual toy drive Saturday from 11 to 3 at Mesa Mall next to Target.  The teams are bringing their armored rescue vehicle and collecting toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Kids can get in the BearCat and have a chance to win prizes.


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Wednesday December 5, 2012


For the past few years, Coloradans Against Auto Theft have been pointing out the dangers of warming up your car, leaving it running with the doors unlocked.  In the Grand Valley,  the Western Colorado Auto Theft Taskforce is taking it a step further.  Grand unction Police, the state patrol, and the Mesa County Sheriff's and DA's offices are rolling in safety tips, and steps to protect your car from theft.  They say it's important to be extra careful during the holidays.

Colorado Democrats are smiling today. Senator Michael Bennet has secured a position at the top of the National Democratic Committee, and Governor Hickenlooper has been chosen to serve as Vice Chair for the Democratic Governors Association.  In a newsrelease, the Colorado Democratic Party says Hickenlooper's inclusive, collaborative approach to leading the state is unique and can be a model for others.

Colorado Senator Mark Udall isn't giving up his stance on the Wind Energy Production Tax Credit. He's giving his 24th floor address today.  He says the PTC is important for Colorado and several other states, and the country's global competitiveness. Today Udall plans to focus on the economic impacts of the PTC on Minnesota.

Mesa County Sheriff's investigators are looking for a man who stole a donation container from the counter of Enterprise Liquor Store at 2923 North Avenue.  The suspect took the cotainer then got in an older model Chevy Van yesterday around 2:00. The man made off with donations for a high school student trying to study abroad.

The Salvation Army has announced another drop-off location for people who want to donate food or toys for Christmas Assistance.  Mesa View Retirement Community will accept donations between 9 and 5 through next Tuesday.

A Palisade winery has raised more than $1,700 for the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association. Talon Winery introduced a label called Rock Red last spring featuring a label with a "ride local/drink local" theme and set aside $1 from every bottle sold.  The winery presented the check to COPMOBA yesterday.

No new details in the deaths of two young boys left in a running SUV on the Grand Mesa last week.  2-year old William Jensen was dead when authorities arrived to an area near Powderhorn a week ago.  4-year old Tyler Jensen was taken off life-support and died at Children's Hospital in Denver. Documents in the case of been sealed and authorities have not released any new information.

Fire officials are blaming heat tape for a fire that destroyed a mobile home in Parachute.  A man staying in the trailer escaped in his pajamas and was not injured but a cat died in the fire.

A unique Western Colorado business is making its national debut on the Science Channel tomorrow.  Colorado Yurt is being featured on the series "How It's Made."  A second espisode is scheduled later this month.

Getting in and out of the Mesa County Fairgrounds on Orchard Mesa is about to get easier.  Mesa County Commissioners have approved a new signal on Highway 50 in anticipation of re-opening the old entrance to the grounds at 27 3/4 Road.  Officials say it's important to address traffic concerns as a new fairground master plan is developed.

Garfield County is challenging a BLM decision to reduce acreage available in northwest Colroado for oil shale leasing.  A protest letter has been sent to the BLM and Interior officials questioning data used by the BLM in its decision. County commissioners say commercial oil shale development is highly questionable under the BLM plan.

Aspen Skiing Company says there's not enough snow and Aspen Highlands won't open as scheduled this Saturday.  Skico tells the Aspen Times they need at least 8 inches of snow and 24 hours. Snow is in the forecast, but Skico officials say they're not going to count on it.

The City of Denver is looking to recoup some of the cost of hosting the first presidential debate in October.  Officials tell the Denver Post they spent about $500,000, including about $90,000 in police overtime. The Denver Post says the University of Denver estimated it received nearly $58 million in media exposure over the past year for hosting the debate.

Coloradans might have a say on whether the state should stay on daylight saving time.  State Senator Greg Brophy says he'll bring the issue up in the coming legislative session and would like to put the matter to a vote.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory or N-REL in Golden is teaming up with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to study the pricing trends of solar energy. N-REL says the two are working to reduce confusion in   Photovoltaic or PV pricing, and say there has been a downward pricing trend for the past two years.


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Tuesday December 4, 2012

A 4-year old Palisade boy in Children's Hospital since last week has died.  Tyler Jensen had been hospitalized since he and his two year old brother were found in a running SUV on the grand mesa November 28th.  2 year old William was dead when Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies arrived after their mother called 9-1-1.  Sheriff's officials say an autopsy on William has been completed.  Records in the case have been sealed and no information is being released.

A Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce business survey says a weak economy has been replaced as the number one concern impacting businesses in the coming year.  It's the first time since the survey was started in 2008 it was not the biggest concern.  Number one was increased fees and regulations.  Healthcare costs was third on the list of concerns.

Montrose Regional Airport is the latest in the state to be equipped with Wide Area Multilateration or WAM technology to track aircraft in mountainous areas outside radar coverage.  The same systems are in place in Craig, Hayden, Steamboat Springs and Rifle, and scheduled to be installed around Durango, Gunnison and Telluride next summer.  WAM allows pilots to fly search and rescue missions and land in conditions they wouldn't have been able to before.

Last week's record Powerball Jackpot paid off for the Colorado Lottery. The $22 million in ticket sales was the highest sales week in history with more than double the average weekly sales.  Nearly $8.4 million tickets were sold last Wednesday alone.

The Salvation Army is gearing up for its annual Christmas assistance with applications due by the end of the week.  People who need information should call the Army's main office on 4th Street to find out what documents are required with their application.

Colorado is continuing its road to recovery with continued job growth predicted by a CU researcher.  Richard Wobbekind.  He says the growth will be across all sectors, although not as strong as this year. According to the Denver Post, Wobbekind is concerned with the Fiscal Cliff, saying Colorado would be significantly affected by spending cuts to federal agencies and defense because of the state's heavy stake in both.

Grand Junction Police are investigating an attempted burglary on Orchard Mesa.  The victim said someone was removing property from an apartment and fired a shot while officers were on their way. No suspects have been located.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Monday December 3, 2012


The price of gas in Colorado is down again, starting the week nearly 5 1/2 cents a gallon less than last week.  The average now $3.32/gal.  The national avg. now $3.39.

A group of small business owners urging 3rd District Congressman Scott Tipton to carry on plans not to raise taxes on the middle class and raise them instead on the top 2% of earners.  The group says allowing taxes for the middle class to remain steady is the answer to strengthening the national economy.

The Montrose City Council is on track to put a moratorium in place on applications for retail marijuana shops in the city after voters there voted against Amendment 64.  The Montrose Daily Press says a vote on the proposal is scheduled tomorrow.

The City of Grand Junction has a bright idea, Solar Power, and they're expanding a system at the Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Daily Sentinel says the city expects to save more than $350,000 over 20 years.

Grand Junction City Council looking at an April vote on an extension of Tax Payer Bill of Rights taxes.  The money collected right now is paying for the Riverside parkway.  An April TABOR override could fund any number of municipal projects including parks and major road projects.  An open house is Thursday at Two Rivers Convention Center. A survey's available on the city's website.

5 states including Colorado are announcing today a plan to increase classroom learning time by 300 hours in some schools.  The 3-year pilot program is being paid for with a mix of federal, state and district funding with a goal of boosting student achievement and making US schools more globally competitive.

An annual gathering to remember homeless people who have died in the Grand Valley called attention yesterday to nine people who died in the past year.  The Daily Sentinel says the homeless Shelter, Homeward Bound is trying to raise awareness the need for housing, especially for families.

The Town of Palisade's $7.9 million budget for next year is on the books, including a new fire station and some significant street maintenance and repairs.  The search is on for a new police chief with a higher salary than the former chief's, along with less overtime pay for officers.

That wildfire burning near Rocky Mountain National Park isn't any closer to containment, especially in abnormally dry conditions, high winds and beetle-kill trees. Fire officials are keeping a close eye on the weather concerned flames could move to the tops of the trees forcing evacuations of at least 1,000 residences.

Gun sales in Colorado are soaring, with criminal background checks required to buy a gun up 58% in the past five years. The Denver Post cites data from the CBI saying there were more than 4,000 checks run in Colorado on Black Friday.  Nationally, nearly 155,000 checks were run the same day.

Looking for a home invasion suspect: there's an app for that.  The Aspen Daily News says the son of the victim was able to track his mother's stolen phone from Basalt, all the way to Parachute where a suspect was arrested.  There's a warrant out for a second suspect.